BIRMINGHAM, who missed out on hosting the final of the British Under-21 Championship, will now stage the outstanding semi-final instead.

The Brummies were originally earmarked as the staging track for the final, but that meeting had to be switched to Berwick when logistical problems over finding a suitable race-day at Perry Barr proved too difficult to overcome.But after Eastbourne staged the first semi-final on Saturday, the second qualifier at Newcastle on Sunday was rained-off – and with the Diamonds having problems over finding a suitable date to restage the meeting, it has now been allocated to Birmingham and will take place next Wednesday, April 18.Birmingham co-promoter David Mason said: “When we found out Newcastle were struggling to re-stage the second semi-final, we applied to have it at Perry Barr.“A few other clubs had gone for it as well, but we were delighted when we received the call to say they wanted us to host it.“It has lifted our spirits because it hasn’t been an easy few weeks with all the rain-offs. But to now be hosting such a great competition, with such an impressive line-up, is great for Birmingham Speedway and fingers crossed we’ll see a good number of fans on the terraces cheering on their riders.”